Healthy Families: One Simple Liquid Can Do So Much!

Many call water the elixir of life, but why is drinking water so important?

Water is critical for our survival, and the better hydrated the body, the better the body is able to perform. Water promotes better health in keeping our body temperature down, aids in digestion, aids in weight loss and keeps body systems functioning at top performance. Did you know that your body is 70-75 percent water and your brain is 90 percent water?

The body pulls fluids from our extremities, hands, feet and other areas to maintain its systems. Without proper hydration, the blood becomes thicker and harder to move through our body. When the blood is thicker, it clots more, potentially causing heart and blood pressure issues.

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Have you ever experienced swelling in the hands or feet on a hot summer day? Lack of water could be a major contributing factor.

Many individuals complain of headaches and other ailments. Drinking adequate amounts of water can help alleviate headaches and muscle cramps. Water helps maintain the cushioning in our joints, aids in digestion and helps flush waste from our bodies.

Itís important to replace the water we lose each day, especially in the summer. In addition to drinking adequate amounts of water, we can also get water from the fruits and vegetables we eat, from fluids we drink and as a byproduct of our metabolism. Substituting sugary beverages with water can also help control calorie intake. At the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, water is the designated primary beverage for all childcare and afterschool programs.

With the summer heat, children love to play in water. Many individuals take vacations at the beach to swim in the water and others love to sail on the water. Most of us just donít drink enough water.

So, the next time you have a headache or just feel out of sorts, try drinking a glass of water first!

Kathy Boyle is a nationally certified personal trainer with the West Chester Area YMCA, Airport Road. To learn more about wellness programs offered by the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, visit www.ymcabwv.org or any of its branches: Brandywine YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Jennersville YMCA or the Oscar Lasko Youth Program Center, West Chester.